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2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Custom delivers outstanding value and utility

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Custom starts at $44,995 and is expected at Chevrolet dealerships by the end of September, 2017.

Chevrolet has created a new special edition of its popular Tahoe full-size SUV for the 2018 model year. The Tahoe Custom is designed to provide the most important features selected by Tahoe buyers at an attractive price point. The Tahoe Custom will highlight cargo and towing capacity, as well as four-wheel-drive, instead of the more luxurious options found in higher trim levels.

The 2018 Tahoe Custom features Chevrolet's 5.3-liter V8 engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with Chevrolet's 6-speed automatic transmission, and the Tahoe is estimated to return 16 MPG in city driving, and a segment-leading 23 MPG on the highway. The Tahoe Custom will be available with your choice of rear-wheel-drive or cabin-controllable four-wheel-drive.

The Tahoe Custom is based on the standard LS trim level, but includes several important features for utility and capability. The Custom features an 8-inch Chevy MyLink touchscreen infotainment center that supports Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. The screen doubles as the display for the standard rear-view camera. The Tahoe Custom includes up to five USB ports and a 110-volt three-prong standard power outlet. Like all Chevrolet products, the Tahoe Custom also supports 4G/LTE data connectivity and will generate a Wi-Fi hot spot inside the vehicle.

The 2018 Tahoe Custom will tow up to 6,600 pounds in standard form, or up to 8,600 pounds with the optional maximum trailering package. A Class III trailer hitch receiver is included, along with a 7-pole rotary RV-style electrical connection. As part of our test, we towed about 4,000 pounds behind the Tahoe Custom, and while we could feel the trailer, especially in cross-winds, the engine and chassis were more than equal to the task, with plenty of passing power and confident handling. The Tahoe Custom includes 18-inch aluminum wheels for good looks and a smooth ride.

The interior of the Tahoe Custom is similarly practical, with comfortable cloth upholstery and an adjustable lumbar support. All the features you really care about are included in the Custom trim package, such as wheel-mounted audio controls, the infotainment screen and power sources, and the rear-view camera. The Tahoe Custom deletes the third row of seats in favor of maximum cargo space, with 54 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 112 cubic feet when the second row seats are folded.